Etiologies and management of cutaneous flushing

Dermatologic conditions in women receiving systemic cancer therapy

“…Selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors, as well as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists such as leuprolide (used for ovarian suppression in breast cancer treatment), can cause a pharmacologic menopause reaction characterized by flushing and night sweats (Burstein et al, 2016, Moon et al, 2017, Sadeghian et al, 2017). In general, tamoxifen results in more frequent and severe hot flashes than aromatase inhibitors such as exemestane (Jones et al, 2007).…”

“…Hot flashes begin with a sudden sensation of warmth, followed by flushing, sweating, and sometimes anxiety and palpitations (Moon et al, 2017, Sadeghian et al, 2017). The flush, which is a vasomotor phenomenon characterized by cutaneous vasodilation, is usually distributed over the face, neck, and chest because the cutaneous vasculature in these regions is superficial (Sadeghian et al, 2017).…”

“…First-line treatment involves avoiding triggers such as heat, alcohol, hot beverages and food, and stress (Sadeghian et al, 2017, Wilkin, 1993). If behavioral modifications fail, pharmacologic management may be necessary.…”

An update on the treatment of rosacea

“…Hormonal replacement therapy can be used for menopausal flushing. 12 It is important to ask the patient what medicines they are taking as some over-the-counter or prescription drugs may worsen rosacea or trigger flushing episodes. These include calcium channel blockers, sildenafil, nitrates, nicotinic acid and some vitamin B-related medications including niacin.…”

Image Gallery: Flush in carcinoid syndrome

“…Somatostatin analogues induced complete clinical relief. Flush features in carcinoid syndrome are dependent on the anatomical location of the neuroendocrine tumour; gastric carcinoid tumours cause a pruritic reddish‐brown flush over the entire body and last for minutes to hours …”